Touriga National

Touriga Nacional, native to the Dão region of Portugal, has a small yield, but it occupies an important position in Portugal as an essential variety for high-quality Porto. Even though the yield is small, the small, firm-skinned berries give the fruit its deep color, aroma, and other unique qualities.

Cultivation has now spread to other countries outside of Portugal, including Uzbekistan, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, South Africa, Cyprus and Spain.

Because this variety has strong vigor and grows quickly, it will quickly grow out of control if pruning is not done properly to maintain the quality of the grapes. However, this variety has a very low yield, as only a few bunches of grapes grow on each vine.

The clusters are medium-sized and cylindrical, some with slightly protruding shoulders, and the kernels are rather small, thick-skinned and bluish-black in color.

It is tolerant of dryness and heat, and grows well in steep areas such as the Douro region, where the soil is based on schist stones rather than soil. It is somewhat resistant to both powdery mildew and downy mildew.

The wine is rich in tannins and has a complex flavor. It is powerful, well-structured, rich in fruit flavors and has a strong aroma, making it suitable for long-term aging.

The aroma is complex, with black fruit, bergamot, cocoa, blueberries, blackberries, smoky and leathery notes, as well as herbal and floral notes.

Sweet Porto is most often served as an aperitif, and goes well with salty snacks, nuts, and blue cheese.

Douro red wine is a perfect match for hearty meat dishes such as roast meat or steak, served with berry or port sauce.